Character Dinner

[sjams]

We are arriving in the afternoon and want to do our Character dinner the night we arrive as to not waste time in the morning. I have read about the Dinner at the Contemporary's Chef Mickey's and the dinner at Epcot's Garden Grill. Which one should I try to reserve? My dd and ds are 7.5 and 4.
thanks

 

[ash&abby'smom]

We did Chef Mickey's and loved it. It will be our first night tradition from now on. Are you planning on going to a park that day? If not, I would definately due CM so you don't waste a day of your park tickets. Also, you could ride the monorail and look at the other resorts. Also, ask to ride in the front, the kids would enjoy that.

So, my vote is CM.

 

[sjams]

Thanks for the advice. How was the food at CM's? I was leaning toward the CM, but didn't know which one. We will be getting there mid afternoon so the debate was to get another ticket in the pack or to just hang out and ride the monorail like you suggested.

 

[jpmom97]

We love Chef Mickey's for the first night. It is our new tradition. We really love the food and the entertainment. The characters were great and DS loved the napkin dance. We too got to our hotel in the afternoon. By the time we checked in, got settled and rested a bit it was time for dinner. I would save going to the parks for the next day when you are rested. If you eat earlier you can hop on the monorail and head over to the Polynesian and watch the fireworks from the pool. We did this and it was great.

 

[Minnie824]

We're taking our DDs for the 1st time in Nov. DH and I didn't do any character dining last time we went. But, we are also planning on going to Chef Mickey's for dinner the night we arrive. Then maybe take a monorail ride around. We'll see. I'd vote for Chef Mickey's too, although, I have no idea how the food is.

 

[ash&abby'smom]

Thanks for the advice. How was the food at CM's? I was leaning toward the CM, but didn't know which one. We will be getting there mid afternoon so the debate was to get another ticket in the pack or to just hang out and ride the monorail like you suggested.

We thought the food was really good. Actually one of our best meals. There was plenty of food for everyone to find something they liked. The characters there were: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip & Dale, and Donald. The each took time with the kids. The napkin dance was fun. Just a great way to kick off the trip. I think your kids will really love it.

 

[rcraw45425]

Garden Grill is closed till April I think. They're renovating the Land Pavillion.

 

[eeyore0062]

If you can get into Chef Mickey's (not an easy feat, lately) I would suggest that... not because I like it better than Garden Grill (I LOVE Garden Grill), but because you wouldn't have to use a day of your ticket to go to Chef Mickey's. Now, if you are already planning on going into the parks the afternoon you arrive, then of course, I would most definitely suggest Garden Grill. Also, when you call for your PS (all PS can be made 90 days out), you may want to ask if Garden Grill will be open at the time of your visit, as the Land Pavillion is closed while they construct the Entrance to Soarin' which will open in the Spring. If it isn't open, that has made your mind up for you!

 

[jeannief]

We are arriving Feb 3rd in the early afternoon. I never thought about a character dining, we booked Chef Mickey for early the next day but the thought of a night time one sounds great. Is Garden Grill a character meal as well? First trip to disney for all of us, bringing dh and ds 4 and 5 and we are SOOOOOO looking forward to this.

 

[rcraw45425]

Garden Grill is character but the Land Pavillion that it is housed in is closed till March 31 I think. For dinner character meals the one at Chef Mickey's is a kid favorite although I finf the food a little lacking. If it doesn't have to be a character dinner Ohana at the Poly is great. Meats on skewers brought to your table, fried rice, green beans, wontons, pineapple grilled with caramel sauce for dessert. They have kids games and a lot of interaction for them without being quite as boisterous as Whispering Canyon, another kid favorite. It's at Wilderness Lodge, quite loud and boisterous. Kids had a blast there. BTW, we're arriving on the 3rd too! We'll be at the swan for this trip, then back down in April for the CR!

 

[MomofKatie]

There are other character dinners, too- 1900 Park Fare at GF features Cinderella and friends. Liberty Tree tavern is at MK and has Minnie and friends, and, as of April, Akershus in Norway at Epcot will have the Princesses at b'fast, lunch, and dinner.

If you don't want to use a park day, you have the choice of Chef Mickey or 1900 Park Fare. Both are good, but the food at Park Fare is better, IMO. Mostly depends on if you want to see Cinderella or Mickey, I guess.

 

[henrylovespooh]

We ate at Chef Mickey's for dinner 2 years ago and it was very good. I would recommend it.